Message from the Principal

Five weeks of online learning and so much to be proud of - we are always 'Building Connections in the Spirit of Hope'

The Great Realisation

This week, as we approach Family Week 2020, we reflect on the importance of family in our lives and the incredible love and support provided to us by our families.  We have been more connected to each other during the past 8 weeks than ever before, this includes the school family of St Anthony's. We are a rich and diverse community of families and that in itself is something rather special to celebrate and give thanks for this week.

In  Assembly this week, we take you on a celebration of food and family as we gather around many family tables for a meal. Sharing a meal is one of the most special ways to be with family, share the day and have great conversation.

In my family, coming together or going out to share a meal together is precious. It is something I look forward to immensely.

I'd like to share with you an excerpt from Catholic Education. ‘Families are society’s most important building block. Strong families equate to strong communities because they embody caring for others, connectedness with people, and providing hope, support and comfort’ (Babington 2020).

Family Week is an opportunity for families and school communities to engage in special prayer, reflection, discussion and activities relating to the most important institution – the family.

CatholicCare promotes Family Week which is celebrated each year with the aim of strengthening families and communities. This year it runs from 15 to 21 May and coincides with the United Nations International Day of Families which has been held on 15 May each year since 1995.

Family Week this year comes during one of the most challenging global health and social crises. The COVID-19 pandemic brings into sharp focus the importance of families, as it is families who bear the brunt of the crisis – sheltering their members from harm, caring for school children who are learning from home, and at the same time continuing their work responsibilities.

The spirit of hope

This year’s Family Week theme is ‘Building Connections in the Spirit of Hope’ and hope is a powerful and transformative idea. It provides a focus on providing hope for vulnerable families, while building the rich, broad and meaningful connections that promote resilience in families and the community.

The Catholic Church seeks to support and encourage every family to become what it was intended to be from the beginning – a community of life and love. To the extent that each of us open ourselves within our own ‘domestic church’ to life and to love, we become like the Holy Family, a family through which the light of Jesus Christ becomes a real presence in the world.

Family Week is supported by CatholicCare, the social welfare agency of both the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sale. Activities and resources are available from the CatholicCare website for use at home and at school to help children, young people and their families come together, build on their connections, and celebrate the role of family. Excerpts taken from Kerrie-Anne Porreca, Educational Officer, Catholic Leadership and Governance, and member of the Governance Secretariat at Catholic Education Melbourne.

We continue to feel very proud of the diverse range of learning experiences being provided by all team members of St Anthony's Staff, particularly our intervention programs. These programs are progressing so very well with all onsite and offiste learners and staff working so hard to ensure the success despite early connection issues. I feel honoured to see the determination demonstrated by staff, parents and children in ensuring these sessions so well attended and celebrated. 

We continue to forge forward and start to make plans for returning to school for our Prep-2's in week 7, Tuesday May 26. These plans will be communicated with you all as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition for all.

Thank you for your understanding, support  and words of encouragement over the past weeks. We are here for you if you need anything at all.  Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy Family Week and don't forget to share your  stories with us. As always go gently and if you have any feedback or ideas we always want to hear them.

God Bless,

Patrika Rowley

PRINCIPAL